How to Write an AI Prompt, for REALTORS®
Learn how to utilize AI tools more efficiently and effectively.
With seemingly every industry exploring new ways to use artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools to streamline work, it’s no wonder REALTORS® would be exploring ways to utilize artificial intelligence to improve their day-to-day workload.
A popular use for AI is to reduce the marketing onus REALTORS® put on themselves. It can help generate content ideas, write marketing material, and create social media posts to promote your business, all while matching your brand style and voice, and freeing up valuable time in your day.
At first, popular tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google Gemini might seem like magical chatbots with answers to the universe, but if you’ve spent even just a short time using them, you’ll quickly notice that the helpful little robot inside your computer isn’t quite self-sufficient. It needs human direction to produce results that are useful.
AI is a tool that gets better the more you understand and learn how to use it. And the key to getting the most out of AI is all in the prompt.
Here’s a breakdown of the anatomy of a prompt, and how REALTORS® can get better results from AI tools.
Understanding prompts
A prompt is the instruction or question you give your AI counterpart to generate a response. Think of it like entering a Google search, but instead of just returning links, the AI creates a custom response based on your specific needs.
A recommended approach to using AI in your work as a REALTOR® is to treat it like a colleague.
Avoid misunderstandings and reduce unnecessary back-and-forth by being clear in your instructions. Provide context, include relevant details, and be specific about your desired outcome. Essentially, prompts are how you communicate with AI, so the quality of the output depends on the quality of your input.
Crafting effective prompts
Don’t be afraid to lay on the details.
To craft an effective prompt, you’ll want to make sure it includes everything you want the AI to consider when generating a response. Remember to include these three key elements:
Context
What are you trying to do? Tell the AI who you are and what exactly you’re looking for. If you’re writing a listing description, a social media post, an email, the more context you provide, the better the results.
Example:
“I’m a REALTOR® in Canada writing a property listing for a three-bedroom semi-detached home in Ottawa, Ontario. The home features an open concept kitchen, a large backyard and is situated in a friendly neighbourhood close to amenities. Write a listing description that will attract active first-time home buyers looking for a downtown lifestyle.”
Clear instructions
Tell the AI how you want the information to be presented. Do you want bullet points, a paragraph, what’s your word count limit?
Example:
“I’m writing a social media post on Instagram highlighting a property I’m selling in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Write three short bullet points and a 50-word description I can include in the post highlighting the top features of this property: pool, finished basement, and quiet neighbourhood close to the water.”
Desired outcome
The AI needs to know what your end goal is. Are you trying to boost engagement? Build brand awareness? Attract sellers or buyers? Fill in your goals for a response that will help you get there.
Example:
“I’m launching a new monthly email newsletter for my real estate business. Write a warm, engaging welcome message that introduces my brand, highlights what readers can expect, encourages them to follow me on Instagram, and get in touch if they’re interested in my services.”
How to apply these concepts to design
Using AI to create visuals for listing flyers, social media ads, or lawn signs? With the right prompt, you can produce brand-consistent, eye-catching visuals. Tools like Canva and Adobe Express integrate generative AI features, making it easier than ever to stay on brand and create standout marketing assets.
Think about:
- Output. Is it for print or digital?
- Style. Examples include 3D illustration, flat vector files, or realistic photos. Premium versions often allow you to upload a brand guide and colours.
- Text placement. If you’re planning to add text, ask the AI to leave space where needed.
Example prompt to try:
“Photo-realistic image of a modern two-storey home with a large front lawn and sunny sky. Leave space at the bottom for REALTOR® name, title, and phone number. Bright and welcoming. 4:3 format for Instagram.”
Ethical use and data privacy
Be careful what you input into AI.
Free versions often access and learn from the information entered by users around the world, so always keep your clients’ information safe by avoiding sharing any private or sensitive data when crafting prompts for AI feedback.
Even details that seem harmless, like specific home features combined with a known neighbourhood, can raise privacy concerns if they could be used to identify a specific property or individual. When in doubt, keep your prompt general to avoid inadvertently disclosing personal information.
Paid versions of AI tools typically include stronger privacy settings and encryption. If you're using these tools professionally, take time to understand their privacy settings and read the terms of use to better understand how your inputs and outputs may be stored, used or shared. No matter which version you use, remember that AI needs to be fact-checked and/or altered to get your desired outcome. Just because it sounds right doesn’t mean it’s correct. And, just because it gave you one answer, doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t change a word or term to something that sounds more “you”. Always verify the output.
AI can be a powerful assistant, but it’s not perfect and at the end of the day, you’re the expert.
The article above is for information purposes and is not legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel.
Looking for more AI resources? Visit the CREA Learning Hub for the latest free webinar: AI at Work: Real Life Applications.
